Stray voltage insulating device

Abstract

A device is provided having a body. The body being made from a flexible material that has an electrical insulating property of at least 1000 volts. A first fastener disposed on a first surface adjacent a first side. A second fastener is disposed on a second surface adjacent a second side, the second surface being opposite the first surface and the second side being opposite the first side. A plurality of straps is coupled to the body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an insulating wrap, and in particular to a wrap that may be used with structures electrically energized with stray voltage, such as street lamps or utility poles for example, to isolate the structure from inadvertent contact.[0002]Objects may sometimes be energized with an electrical charge that has an elevated voltage potential, sometimes referred to as “stray voltage”. Stray voltage may occur in a variety of situations, such as where insulation on an electrical conductor becomes worn or damaged. If the damaged conductor is in contact with a conductive structure, such as a pipe, a street light pole or a traffic control pole for example, then the structure may become energized with stray voltage.[0003]In a number of jurisdictions and localities there is a requirement for utility companies to perform voltage testing to detect stray voltage. When an energized structure is found, the structure is isolated, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device that can be used to detect and prevent electrical leaks or stray voltage on structures. It is made from a flexible rubber material that has a high electrical insulating ability (at least 1000 volts). The device has a trapezoidal shape and can be secured to a structure using straps. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a reliable and effective means to safely handle electrified structures.

Problems solved by technology

Stray voltage may occur in a variety of situations, such as where insulation on an electrical conductor becomes worn or damaged.

If the damaged conductor is in contact with a conductive structure, such as a pipe, a street light pole or a traffic control pole for example, then the structure may become energized with stray voltage.

It should be appreciated that in some circumstances the investigation to mitigate the stray voltage may take a considerable amount of time as source may not be readily apparent and the electrical energy may travel a distance from the location of the damaged conductor.

In these cases, the company responsible for watching the energized structure may incur significant labor expense in stationing personnel to watch the structure.

Images